A petition has been launched for a permanent memorial garden to be built to commemorate the seven people who lost their lives in the Croydon tram crash last Wednesday.

The petition calls on Tramlink, Transport for London (TfL) and Croydon Council to support creating the area where the community, and friends and family of the victims, can always pay their respects.

It proposes a plinth with a low-maintenance garden is created near Sandilands tram station, near where the two-carriage vehicle derailed.

The petition reads: “Many, many lives within the local community have been touched and sadly affected by the incident at Sandilands.

“It is only right that a permanent memorial is created nearby where Family, friends and further members of the public can come and pay their respect.

“It would be the right to do this given the huge sentiment and sorrow within the local community.”

It is proposed, in Andy Southern’s petition, the memorial garden and plinth on a stand is built next to the disabled access ramp at the tram stop.

The victims of the tragedy, six men and a women, were all named at the weekend.

Some 51 people were taken to hospital, some of which received surgery at St George’s in Tooting and suffered life-changing injuries.

The driver of the tram was arrested on suspicion on manslaughter after the tram came of the rails at around 6.10am.

He was released on bail until May next year while police continue their investigation.

Sign the petition here.

Email your thoughts on the proposed memorial garden to sean.morrison@newsquest.co.uk.